5 Popular Building Design Styles You Need to Know
Australia has a wide variety of architectural styles, ranging from the colonial to the contemporary that you would find nowhere else in the world due to the country’s cultural, climate, and landscape factors. If you’re building a new home or just admire good architecture, learning about these styles can assist you in making decisions. If planning to renovate or build a house, here are the five finest popular building design styles in Melbourne that still retain their originality and features.
Contemporary Style
Simplicity, functionality and the outdoors being connected are the highlights of contemporary architecture. The Australian living style tends usually to have open floor plans, large windows and sustainable materials, making it nicely fit for the nature of Australian living.
Key Features:
- Open Spaces: The beauty of the Australian climate is championed by the layout which facilitates a smooth segue into and out of the outdoors.
- Natural Light: Lots of natural light from large windows and skylights make the living space comfortable.
- Sustainable Practices: The eco-friendly as well as energy-efficient technological designs in many of the contemporary designs are the result of growing awareness of environmental issues.
Popular with homeowners and building designers in Melbourne who wish to achieve modernist, functional spaces while integrally or diffusely responding to their surroundings.
Federation Style
Present in Australia from the late 19th century onwards, and characterized by its elaborate detail and character, Australian federation architecture espoused a particular theoretical pedigree of its own. This style evokes the nation’s colonial history and is frequently linked with the Arts and Crafts movement.
Key Features:
- Symmetrical Facades: On either side federation homes are usually balanced, meaning that they have equal proportions.
- Decorative Elements: These lift unique charm in features such as intricately timberworked ceilings, leadlight windows, and patterned brickwork.
- Verandahs: A hallmark of this style is large, wrap-around verandahs allowing you to have outdoor living space which is ideal for the Australian climate.
Federation homes are especially popular in the suburbs and are highly desirable for those who are seeking a more modern gentrification but in keeping with historical aesthetics.
Mid-Century Modern
During the 1940s to 1960s, mid-century modern architecture became popular and remains a loved building design styles in Australia today. The main points of this style are the clean lines, the organic forms and its sincere connection with nature.
Key Features:
- Integration with Nature: You’ll often find this design with large glass panels and sliding doors blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Functional Furnishings: The entire ethos of the architecture is reflected in the furniture and it is designed to be both stylish and functional.
- Innovative Materials: This style uses materials such as plywood, steel, and glass creating primarily pragmatic but also aesthetically pleasing structures.
When you are looking for a home that will maintain maximum functionality whilst offering elegance of style, then mid-century modern homes are ideal options for every homeowner out there.
Australian Bush Style
The Australian bush style is in tribute to the natural landscape of the country. This style is usually typified by using materials that mirror the surroundings – timber, and stone and integrating them into nature.
Key Features:
- Natural Materials: Rustic aesthetic is created using timber cladding and stone accents which reflect the natural environment.
- Elevated Structures: Bush homes are raised stands off the ground to protect against wildlife and to get views.
- Sustainable Practices: Often this style will also include energy-efficient designs, such as passive solar, and rainwater collection systems, to reduce the area’s environmental impact.
If you want something rustic but sustainable, the bush style is the perfect one.
Coastal Style
Australia’s stunning beaches and laid-back style have influenced coastal architecture. Characterised by its light, airy feel and use of materials able to withstand coastal elements, this is a style.
Key Features:
- Light Colours: Soft neutral palettes dominate coastal homes with pops of colour that pay tribute to the ocean.
- Large Decks and Balconies: Cailin notes that coastal homes must have expansive outdoor living areas to take advantage of views and breezes.
- Durable Materials: Harsh coastal conditions are often withstood by weather-resistant materials, such as fibreglass, treated timber, and stainless steel.
If you’re after a relaxed lifestyle, the beachside will be perfect with this style of home.
Conclusion
Australia traces a big cake of architectural landscape with a wide range of styles that are at the service of each specific taste or lifestyle. From the modern style of contemporary designs to the heritage style of Federation homes, each has outstanding features that can improve your living experience. But if you’re planning a new build or renovation, understanding these popular building design styles is a must. A Building Designer in Melbourne should be an engaging partner and help you navigate among your options efficiently.
In addition, when choosing which professional best suits your project, it’s important to get to know the differences between the architect and that of a building designer. Usually, architects get much more formal education and registration but they can handle larger and more complex projects. On the other hand, residential building designers often need not possess the same education and tend to focus solely on residential designs. The right expert can greatly help the success of your building project and your vision realized in a style you can live with and function to meet your needs in. The right design professional can help you whether you lean towards a particular style or you want to blend in some elements to produce your ideal home.
